Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure pertains to fluid treatment systems, in particular replaceable spin-on filters for filtering liquids such as fuel, oil, other engine fluids, hydraulic fluids, and the like.
Background
[0002] A filter of the spin-on type typically has a central orifice in its top surface, provided with a metal inner thread that is arranged to engage with a hollow threaded metal cylinder on the engine or machine, through which the filtered liquid is returned. If the liquid to be filtered is sufficiently viscous and the threads are produced with sufficiently low tolerances, the engaged threaded metal parts will form a sufficient seal between the clean (untreated) flow path of the fluid inside the filter housing and the dirty (treated) flow path of the fluid inside the filter housing to avoid substantial bypass of fluid from the dirty (untreated) side to the clean (treated) side without passing through the treatment medium. One or more further orifices are provided in the top surface, radially removed from the central orifice, for receiving the dirty fluid. An axial seal creates the seal between the fluid in the filter housing and the outside environment.
[0004] International patent application publication no.
WO 2007/067791 A2 in the name of the present applicant discloses a spin-on filter cartridge including a housing, a filter element operably oriented in the housing, a baffle plate, and a seal arrangement. The baffle plate is operably oriented over the housing open end. The baffle plate defines a central flow aperture. The baffle plate defines a continuous groove immediately adjacent to and circumscribing the central flow aperture. The seal arrangement is secured to the baffle plate spaced from and circumscribing the continuous groove. In another aspect, a filter assembly includes a spin-on filter cartridge as characterized above and a filter head. The spin-on filter cartridge is removably mountable on the filter head. The filter head includes a central spud defining outer threads. An 0-ring seal member or a gasket seal member is operably oriented around the central spud. When the spin-on filter cartridge is operably oriented on the filter head, the seal member is received within the continuous groove and the seal arrangement forms a seal between and against the baffle plate and the filter head.
[0005] European patent application publication no.
EP 0925815 A1 discloses a spin-on filter including a baseplate preferably die cast from aluminium and a seaming lid (45) preferably stamped from sheet steel. The baseplate includes a hub joined to a rim by ribs. The rim includes slots that receive tabs from the stamped seaming lid to provide for torque transfer between the canister and baseplate. The baseplate provides a seat for the seaming lid interfit with the baseplate to form a outer gasket groove. The baseplate provides the groove inner wall, while the seaming lid provides the groove outer wall and base. The design in the baseplate and seaming lid provide for a groove for receiving an outer gasket and for torque transfer.
[0006] It is a disadvantage of the known spin-on filters that any impurities that are present at the interface (and in particular on the threaded surfaces) prior to installation of the filter, may end up inside the clean side of the filter after installation and thus reach the machine or engine during operation.
[0007] Furthermore impurities can be formed by the metal to metal thread engagement during the installation of the filter and part of these impurities might end up inside the clean side of the filter.
[0008] Improvements over the prior art are desirable.
Summary
[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a spin-on fluid treatment device, comprising a housing, a top surface, said top surface having an internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice; wherein an outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position, wherein a treatment medium is arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through said outlet tube; and wherein said outlet tube is provided with an externally oriented sealing portion configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet spud of an entity that receives said treated fluids.
[0010] The term "radially removed" as used herein implies that the inlet orifice is located wholly outside of the internally threaded bore. The term "externally oriented" is used herein to indicate that the sealing portion operates in an upward and/or radially outward direction. The housing may be substantially cylindrical. The internally threaded bore may be centrally arranged in said top surface.
[0011] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the inner thread of the threaded bore of the device according to the disclosure and the outer thread of the connecting snout of the machine remain isolated from the clean side of the device during and after installation, thus avoiding the contamination of the clean side of the device by impurities present on these threaded surfaces.
[0012] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the sealing portion has at least an axial component.
[0013] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the sealing portion has at least a radial component.
[0014] In a particular embodiment, the outlet tube is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, the wall of which is rounded at the open top end, and the radial component includes an outwardly oriented part of the rounded wall.
[0015] This embodiment is particularly suited for use with an outlet tube made of metal. However, it is also possible to use other materials for the outlet tube, including plastic, zamac, or elastomers.
[0016] In another particular embodiment, the outlet tube is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, the wall of which is tapered at the open top end so as to form a conical surface, and the radial component includes the conical surface.
[0017] This embodiment is particularly suited for use with an outlet tube made of plastic.
[0018] In another particular embodiment, the outlet tube is formed as a substantially frustoconical tube, and the radial component includes an outer surface of the substantially frustoconical tube.
[0019] This embodiment is particularly suited for use with an outlet tube made of plastic.
[0020] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, said treatment medium is arranged in a cartridge inside said housing, said cartridge being pushed towards said top surface by a resilient element.
[0021] In a particular embodiment, the outlet tube has an ending in a shape that has no cylindrical symmetry, configured to be sealing with a corresponding shape of the complementary element.
[0022] This solution is particularly suitable for spin-on products where a resilient element disposed between the cartridge and the housing creates the required axial force to assure a proper sealing arrangement. The cartridge can rotate within the spin-on housing as it is just pressed in between the resilient element and the top surface (baffle plate). In this way it is possible to use a non-circularly symmetric shape, e.g. an obround shape, as the cartridge with the outlet tube will orient itself automatically and still create a good seal.
[0023] In a particular embodiment, the outlet tube is movable in an axial direction relative to the top surface.
[0024] This solution is particularly suitable for a spin-on filter where a resilient element disposed between the cartridge and the housing creates the required axial force to assure a proper sealing arrangement. Accordingly, the outlet tube can move down inside the housing when the spin-on is being inserted.
[0025] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the externally oriented sealing portion is positioned at least partially within the volume defined by the lower end of the threaded bore and the top surface.
[0026] It is an advantage of this embodiment that accidental touching and contamination of the sealing portion during handling of the device can be avoided.
[0027] In a particular embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the externally oriented sealing portion is positioned, when installed, at least partially within the volume defined by the lower end of the threaded bore and the top surface.
[0028] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the treatment medium is a filter medium.
[0029] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided system comprising a machine having a treatment device head and a spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein said spin-on fluid treatment device comprises a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through said outlet tube; wherein said treatment device head comprises at least one head outlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the at least one inlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device and a head inlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the outlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device, said head inlet orifice being provided in a snout with a threaded outer surface configured to engage with the threaded bore of the spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein an outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position; and wherein said outlet tube is provided with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of the head inlet orifice.
[0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising: a spin-on fluid treatment device comprising a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through an outlet orifice; and a part
102 forming an outlet tube
110 with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet spud
210 of an entity that receives said treated fluids; wherein said part is adapted to be installable into said spin-on fluid treatment device such that said outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore
130 in a concentric position and in sealed fluid communication with said outlet orifice.
[0031] An aspect of this disclosure concerns a spin-on fluid filter cartridge for threaded connection with a spud of a filter head. The filter cartridge comprises a housing having a surrounding wall, an interior volume, and a cover piece at an end of the surrounding wall and covering the interior volume; the cover piece including a central bore and an inlet arrangement radially spaced from the central bore; the central bore and the inlet arrangement being in communication with the interior volume; the central bore having internally disposed threads; the central bore being sized and configured to thread onto an externally threaded spud of a filter head. The filter cartridge further comprises an axial seal member located on an exterior of the cover piece and surrounds the inlet arrangement and is oriented to form a seal with the filter head, when the filter cartridge is operably connected to the filter head. The filter cartridge further comprises a filter element operably oriented in the interior volume of the housing. The filter element has a tubular media pack of filter media surrounding a clean fluid volume; the media pack being secured to an end cap at a first end of the element; an outlet tube axially extending away from a remaining portion of the filter element and integral with or secured to the end cap; the outlet tube being in communication with the clean fluid volume; and wherein the outlet tube forms a seal between and against the outlet tube and an internal surface of the filter head spud, when the filter cartridge is connected to the filter head.
[0032] In some example embodiments, the seal between the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head spud is at least an axial seal between a free end of the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head. The free end can be rounded, or the free end can be tapered.
[0033] The seal between the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head spud can further include a radial seal between and against an outer portion of the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head spud.
[0034] In some example embodiments, the outlet tube has a frustoconical shape.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, the radial seal is formed by an o-ring seal member projecting from the outer portion of the outlet tube.
[0036] In examples, the filter cartridge further includes a resilient element urging the filter element toward the cover piece.
[0037] The outlet tube can be a separate piece from a remaining part of the filter element and is sealed to the end cap.
[0038] It should be noted that the sealing to the end cap should be sufficient to support the desired filtering efficiency; such sealing may be achieved with or without a separate sealing component such as an O-ring.
[0039] An aspect of this disclosure includes a filter assembly comprising a filter head having an externally threaded spud; the spud having an internally directed sealing surface; a filter cartridge as variously characterized above and removably attached to the filter head, the internal threads of the central bore of the cover piece mating with the external threads of the spud. The outlet tube extends into the spud and forms a seal between and against the sealing surface of the spud and the outlet tube.
[0040] In examples, the sealing surface of the spud includes an inwardly angled surface.
[0041] In one or more embodiments, the sealing surface of the spud is a planar surface at a right angle to a remaining portion of the internal surface of the spud.
[0042] In example implementations, the cover piece includes a depressed portion angled inwardly toward the filter element; and when the filter cartridge is operably connected to the filter head, the filter element is axially spaced apart from engagement with the depressed portion.
[0043] The filter assembly can include a resilient element urging the filter element toward the cover piece.
[0044] In some examples, an internal surface of the spud is frustoconical; and the outlet tube has a frustoconical shape.
[0045] An aspect of this disclosure is directed to a method of mounting a spin-on filter cartridge onto a filter head. The method includes providing a filter head having an externally threaded spud; the spud having an internally directed sealing surface; providing a filter cartridge having a housing holding a filter element, the housing having a cover piece with a central bore with internally directed threads; the filter element having an outlet tube; connecting the filter cartridge to the filter head by threadably mating the internal threads of the central bore and the external threads of the spud; directing the outlet tube into the spud; and forming a seal between and against the outlet tube and an internal surface of the spud.
[0046] The technical effects and advantages of embodiments of the system and the kit according to the present disclosure correspond,
mutatis mutandis, to those of the corresponding embodiments of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0047] These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
- Figures 1-3 illustrate the top portion of a first embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
- Figures 4-6 illustrate the top portion of a second embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
- Figures 7-9 illustrate the top portion of a third embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
- Figures 10-13 illustrate the top portion of a fourth embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
- Figures 14 and 15 are a partially cut-out perspective drawings of the top portion of a fifth embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
- Figure 16 illustrates an adapter that may be used to obtain a system according to the present disclosure based with a spin-on fluid treatment device of the known type;
- Figure 17 illustrates a snap-fit part that may be provided as part of a kit to produce a spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
- Figure 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter assembly, including a filter head having an inlet tube or spud, and a filter cartridge; and
- Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a filter cartridge including a housing, end piece, and internal filter element.
[0048] Throughout the figures, the same numerals are used to refer to the same or functionally similar elements.
Description of Embodiments
[0049] The disclosure pertains to a spin-on fluid treatment device, according to claim 1, such as for example a spin-on filter, a catalyst, an air-oil separator, or a canister, for use with internal combustion engines, hydraulic machines, and other machines. The device comprises a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, which presents the orifices for interfacing with the machine. The term "top surface" is used to designate the flat top of the fluid treatment device which rests against a corresponding surface of the machine when the spin-on fluid treatment device is installed. Throughout the application, the terms "up" and "down", or "top" and "bottom", are used in accordance with the aforementioned definition of "top surface", notwithstanding the fact that certain applications may use the device in a different orientation.
[0050] The top surface has a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, which contains the outlet orifice as described in more detail below. The top surface further presents at least one inlet orifice radially removed from the threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding the at least one inlet orifice, to ensure that fluids directed into the inlet orifice do not flow away along the side of the top surface. The axial seal may be provided close to the circumference of the top surface, and it will abut and be compressed against the corresponding surface of the machine when the threaded bore is screwed sufficiently far onto the attachment head of the machine.
[0051] An outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position - the open end of the tube may be flush with the top surface, it may be sunk in relative to the top surface, or it may stick out from the top surface. The outlet tube is in fluid communication with the inside of the housing; in particular, in the case of a filter device or a catalyst, it is in fluid communication with the "clean side" of the device; without loss of generality, reference will be made to the "clean side" of the device hereinafter, when designating the portion of the device that is in fluid communication with the outlet tube. The ring-shaped space that lies inside the bore between the outlet tube and the threaded surface will receive the threaded counterpart provided on the inlet of the machine.
[0052] The treatment medium is arranged inside the housing to treat fluids entering through the at least one inlet orifice and leaving through the outlet tube.
[0053] The present disclosure is based
inter alia on the insight of the inventor that the threaded bore and the threaded counterpart on the machine are prone to attracting or even causing impurities during handling, shipping, and servicing, and must therefore be sealed off from the clean side in an adequate manner.
[0054] The present disclosure achieves this sealing by providing in the fluid treatment device an additional outlet tube, concentric with the threaded bore, which is provided with a sealing portion. The sealing portion is externally oriented (i.e., it is facing outwardly or upwardly relative to the outlet tube) and is configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet orifice of the entity that receives said treated fluids. Said inlet orifice thus includes a cylinder with an outer thread onto which the fluid treatment device can be screwed, and with an inwardly directed inner sealing surface.
[0055] The sealing portion, which is preferably disposed in close proximity to the threaded bore, may be a sealing surface or a sealing arrangement configured for engaging with a complementary surface of the inlet orifice of an entity that receives said treated fluids.
[0056] Preferably, the sealing portion is located between the bottom end of the thread provided on the outlet tube and the top surface of the spin-on device. When installed, the sealing portion is preferably situated in the volume above the lower end of the complementary threaded surface of the machine.
[0057] The presence of the seals and threads thus defines two sealed interfaces:
- The inlet interface is achieved by the at least one inlet orifice, radially removed from the threaded bore, which is sealed peripherally by the axial seal surrounding the at least one inlet orifice and centrally by the interlocking threaded surfaces.
- The outlet interface is achieved by the outlet tube, which is sealed peripherally by the sealing surface facing outwardly and/or upwardly, which engages with the corresponding surface of the inlet orifice of the entity that receives the treated fluids.
[0058] Figures 1-3 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface formed by a cover piece
169 seamed onto a main body
160) of a first embodiment of the spin-on fluid filter cartridge or treatment device
100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, in consecutive stages of engagement. Without loss of generality, the spin-on fluid treatment device
100 is illustrated as a filter device containing a filter cartridge
150; any references to a filter cartridge are not intended to limit the present disclosure to that application. The treatment device
100 removably attaches to a filter head
200 (only partially illustrated in Figures 1-3), as further explained below. The filter head
200 has a spud forming an inlet tube
210. The inlet tube
210 has an outer surface with external threads
230, and an internal surface
215/216. The internal surface
215/216 forms a sealing surface for sealing with the treatment device
100, explained below.
[0059] The outlet tube
110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of metal, the wall
115 of which is, in the embodiment of Figures 1-3, rounded at the open top end
116.
[0060] The inlet orifices
120 are disposed around the threaded bore
130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal
125.
[0061] The cover piece
169 further includes an inwardly angled section extending from the planar portion to a depressed portion
140. The depressed portion
140, in this embodiment, is adjacent to the central bore
130.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet orifices
120 are disposed in the inwardly angled section, which ends in the depressed portion
140 of the top surface. At the inside of the housing, the filter element containing the treatment medium (e.g., filter media
151 rests against this depressed portion
140, under the action of a resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing
160 between the bottom
165 of the housing
160 and the bottom surface
155 of the filter element
150).
[0063] In Figure 1, the threaded bore
130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210.
[0064] In Figure 2, the threaded bore
130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The wall
115 of the substantially cylindrical tube
110 may frictionally engage with the inner surface
215 of the machine's inlet tube
210, thus forming an initial radial seal
115+215. Alternatively, there may be some clearance between the wall
115 of the substantially cylindrical tube
110 and the inner surface
215 of the machine's inlet tube
210, in which case the seal is entirely formed by the surfaces
116 and
216 as described above.
[0065] In Figure 3, the threaded bore
130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The rounded top end
116 presses against a tapered (conical) portion
216 of the machine's inlet tube
210, thus forming a secure outwardly and/or upwardly oriented seal
116+216. The axial force required to obtain proper sealing, is provided by the aforementioned resilient element that exerts an upward force on the cartridge
150 containing the treatment medium
151. As can be seen in Figure 3, at this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the end cap
159 of the filter element
150 is no longer in contact with the depression
140 of the cover piece
169 of the housing
160; thus, it is indeed the sealing surface
216 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression
140 of the cover piece
169 of the housing
160.
[0066] In this embodiment, the sealing surface
216 is in an inwardly angled surface. It may have different shapes in other embodiments, as described below.
[0067] In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device
100 is completely sealed off from the thread area
130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.
[0068] Figures 4-6 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface formed by a cover piece
169 seamed onto a main body
160) of a second embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device
100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, disengaged, partially engaged, and fully engaged, respectively.
[0069] The outlet tube
110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of plastic, the wall
115 of which is tapered at the open top end
116 so as to form a conical surface.
[0070] A number of inlet orifices
120 are disposed around the threaded bore
130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal
125.
[0071] As in the previously described embodiment, the filter element
150 containing the filter media
151 rests against this depressed portion
140 of the cover piece
169, under the action of a resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing
160 between the bottom
165 of the housing
160 and the bottom surface
155 of the cartridge
150).
[0072] In Figure 4, the threaded bore
130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface of the machine's inlet tube
210. The illustrated portion of the fluid treatment device
100 is composed of a standard metal end cap
159 and a molded plastic part
102 that includes the outlet tube
110. This way of adapting the can end necessitates an additional seal to separate the dirty side from the clean side; this additional seal may take the form of an 0-ring
103.
[0073] To ensure proper alignment of the plastic part
102 relative to the cover piece
169 carrying the threaded bore
130, one or more centering grooves
104 may be provided on the plastic part
102 to cooperate with one or more corresponding downward protrusions of the cover piece
169.
[0074] In Figure 5, the threaded bore
130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The wall
115 of the substantially cylindrical tube
110 lies against the inner surface
215 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The tapered top end
116 contacts a correspondingly tapered (conical) portion
216 of the machine's inlet tube
210, thus forming an initial seal
116+216 having an axial and a radial component.
[0075] In Figure 6, the threaded bore
130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The tapered top end
116 presses against a correspondingly tapered (conical) portion
216 of the machine's inlet tube
210, thus forming a secure seal
116+216 having an axial and a radial component. The axial force required to obtain proper sealing, is provided by the aforementioned resilient element that exerts an upward force on the filter element
150. As can be seen in Figure 6, at this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the end cap
159 is no longer in contact with the depressed portion
140 of the end cover
169 of the housing
160; thus, it is indeed the sealing surface
216 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression
140 of the end cover
169.
[0076] In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device is completely sealed off from the thread area
130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.
[0077] Figures 7-9 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface formed by a cover piece
169 seamed onto a main body
160) of a third embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device
100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, disengaged, partially engaged, and fully engaged, respectively.
[0078] The outlet tube
110 is formed as a frustoconical tube, preferably made of plastic.
[0079] A number of inlet orifices
120 are disposed around the threaded bore
130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal
125.
[0080] As in the previously described embodiment, the filter element
150 containing the filter media
151 rests against this depressed portion
140 of the end cover
169, under the action of resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing
160 between the bottom
165 of the housing
160 and the bottom surface
155 of the filter element
150).
[0081] In Figure 7, the threaded bore
130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface of the machine's inlet tube
210. The illustrated portion of the fluid treatment device
100 is composed of an end cap
159, with an angle to accommodate an O-ring
103, and a part
102 that includes the outlet tube, which is attached to the end cap
159 by means of a snap-fit connection. This way of adapting the can end necessitates an additional seal to separate the dirty side from the clean side; this additional seal may take the form of an O-ring
103.
[0082] To ensure proper alignment of the plastic part
102 relative to the end cover
169 carrying the threaded bore
130, one or more centering grooves
104 may be provided on the plastic part
102 to cooperate with one or more corresponding downward protrusions of the end cover
169. Instead of the centering grooves
104, other appropriate means may be provided that act to bring the plastic part
102 into alignment with the end cover
169.
[0083] In Figure 8, the threaded bore
130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The slanted wall
115 of the frustoconical tube lies against the correspondingly slanted inner surface
215 of the machine's inlet tube
210, and the top edge
116 of the frustoconical tube
110 lies against a corresponding surface
216 of the inlet tube
210, thus forming an initial seal
115+215/116+216 having an axial and a radial component.
[0084] In Figure 9, the threaded bore
130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The slanted wall
115 of the frustoconical tube lies against the correspondingly slanted inner surface
215 of the machine's inlet tube
210, and the top edge
116 of the frustoconical tube
110 presses against a corresponding surface
216 of the inlet tube
210, thus forming a secure seal
115+215/116+216 having an axial and a radial component. The axial force required to obtain proper sealing, is provided by the aforementioned resilient element that exerts an upward force on the cartridge
150 containing the treatment medium
151. As can be seen in Figure 9, at this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the end cap
159 of the filter element
150 is no longer in contact with the depression
140 of the end cover
169 of the housing
160; thus, it is indeed the sealing surface
216 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression
140 of the end cover
169 of the housing
160.
[0085] In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device
100 is completely sealed off from the thread area
130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.
[0086] In this embodiment, the sealing surface
216 is in a planar surface at a right angle to a remaining portion of the internal surface
215 of the spud or inlet tube
210.
[0087] Figures 10-13 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface seamed onto a main body) of a fourth embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device
100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, in consecutive stages of engagement.
[0088] The outlet tube
110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of plastic. On the outside of the mantle of the cylinder, a groove is provided, which accommodates an O-ring
117.
[0089] A number of inlet orifices
120 are disposed around the threaded bore
130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal
125.
[0090] As in the previously described embodiment, filter element
150 containing the filter media
151 is pressed against this depressed portion
140 of the end cover
169, under the action of resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing
160 between the bottom
165 of the housing
160 and the bottom surface
155 of the filter element
150).
[0091] In Figure 10, the threaded bore
130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface of the machine's inlet tube
210. The illustrated portion of the fluid treatment device
100 is composed of an end cap
159, with an angle to accommodate an O-ring
103, and a part
102 that includes the outlet tube, which is attached to the end cap
159 by means of a snap-fit connection. This way of adapting the end cap necessitates an additional seal to separate the dirty side from the clean side; this additional seal may take the form of an O-ring
103.
[0092] To ensure proper alignment of the plastic part
102 relative to the top surface carrying the threaded bore
130, one or more centering grooves
104 may be provided on the plastic part
102 to cooperate with one or more corresponding downward protrusions of the top surface.
[0093] In Figure 11, the threaded bore
130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The O-ring
117 of the cylindrical tube pushes radially against the inner surface
215 of the machine's inlet tube
210, thus forming an initial radial seal
117+216.
[0094] In Figure 12, the threaded bore
130 is further engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210, to the point where the bottom of the machine's inlet tube
210 abuts the shoulder of the part
102 that includes the outlet tube. Any further engagement of the threaded surfaces (i.e., further rotations of the spin-on device, which should be continued up to the point where the axial seal
125 is sufficiently compressed by its counteracting surface), will cause the bottom of the machine's inlet tube
210 to push down on the filter element
150.
[0095] In Figure 13, the threaded bore
130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210. The O-ring
117 of the cylindrical tube continues to push radially against the inner surface
215 of the machine's inlet tube
210, thus forming a secure radial seal
117+216. In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device is completely sealed off from the thread area
130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities. At this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the top of the cartridge
150 is no longer in contact with the depression
140 of the top surface of the housing; thus, it is now the bottom of the machine's inlet tube
210 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression
140 of the top surface of the housing.
[0096] Figures 14 and 15 are a partially cut-out perspective drawings of the top portion of a fifth embodiment of the spin-on assembly
100 according to the present disclosure, of a type that is known in the trade as "Duramax". The spin-on fluid treatment device
100 is shown removed from the filter head
200, having spud or inlet tube
210.
[0097] The outlet tube
110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of metal. On the outside of the mantle of the cylinder, a groove is provided, which accommodates an O-ring
117.
[0098] A number of inlet orifices
120 are disposed around the threaded bore
130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal
125.
[0099] In Figure 14, the threaded bore
130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210.
[0100] In Figure 15, the threaded bore
130 is engaged with the threaded outer surface
230 of the machine's inlet tube
210, to the point where the axial seal
125 is compressed by the counteracting surface of the machine head. The O-ring
117 of the cylindrical tube pushes radially against the inner surface
216 of the machine's inlet tube
210, thus forming a secure radial seal
117+216. In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device is completely sealed off from the thread area
130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.
[0101] The present disclosure also pertains to a system comprising a machine having a treatment device head and a spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein said spin-on fluid treatment device comprises a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through said outlet tube; wherein said treatment device head comprises at least one head outlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the at least one inlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device and a head inlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the outlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device, said head inlet orifice being provided in a snout with a threaded outer surface configured to engage with the threaded bore of the spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein an outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position; and wherein said outlet tube is provided with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of the head inlet orifice.
[0102] The spin-on fluid treatment device used in embodiments of the system according to the present disclosure may be a spin-on fluid treatment device as described above with reference to Figures 1-15, but is not limited thereto. The system according to the present disclosure may also be obtained by equipping a machine head of the known type and a spin-of fluid treatment device of the known type with an appropriate adapter. A non-limiting example of such an adapter is illustrated in Figure 16. The adapter may be semi-permanently installed on the machine head, or it may be supplied together with the spin-of fluid treatment device of the known type.
[0103] The present disclosure also pertains to a kit comprising a spin-on fluid treatment device of the known type, and a part to be installed within the threaded bore. The kit thus comprises a spin-on fluid treatment device comprising a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through an outlet orifice; and a part
102 forming an outlet tube
110 with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet spud
210 of an entity that receives said treated fluids; wherein said part is adapted to be installable into said spin-on fluid treatment device such that said outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore
130 in a concentric position and in sealed fluid communication with said outlet orifice. Figure 17 provides a partially cut out perspective drawing of a snap-fit part
102 that may be provided as part of such a kit to produce a spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure by installing the part on spin-on fluid treatment device of the known type. For further details about the part
102, reference is made to the description of Figures 1-13.
[0104] Figure 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter assembly, including a filter head
200 having an inlet tube or spud
210, and a filter cartridge
100. Figure 19 is a corresponding schematic cross-sectional view, showing the filter cartridge
100 including a housing, end piece, and internal filter element.
[0105] In Figure 19, the treatment device
100 includes a housing
160 with an outer wall. The outer wall is typically a thin metal wall, but it can be non-metal. The outer wall forms a housing surrounding wall and a closed bottom
165, which together surround an interior volume. At an end of the housing
160 opposite of the bottom
165 is a cover piece
169. The cover piece
169 covers the interior volume.
[0106] Many embodiments are possible. In the one shown, the cover piece
169 has a central bore
130, which is internally threaded. The central bore
130 is sized and configured to thread onto the externally threaded spud
210 of a filter head
200.
[0107] An inlet arrangement is radially spaced from the central bore
130. In the embodiment shown, the inlet arrangement includes a plurality of inlet orifices
120 surrounding the central bore
130. As can be seen, both the central bore
130 and the inlet orifices
120 are in fluid communication with the interior volume.
[0108] An axial seal member
125 is located on the cover piece
169 surrounding the inlet arrangement. The axial seal member
125 forms an axially directed seal with the filter head
200, when the treatment device
100 is operably connected to the filter head
200. The axial seal member
125 is supported by a planar portion of the cover piece
169.
[0109] Still in reference to Figure 19, the treatment device
100 includes a filter element
150 oriented in the interior volume of the housing
160. The filter element
150 includes a tubular media pack
151 surrounding a clean fluid volume. Typically, the media pack
151 includes pleated media. The media pack
151 is secured to and extends between opposite end caps
155,
159.
[0110] The filter element
150 includes an outlet tube
110. The outlet tube
110 axially extends away from a remaining portion of the filter element
150. The outlet tube
110 can be either the same piece (i.e., "integral with") as end cap
169 (see Figure 2), or is can be removably secured to the end cap
169 (see, e.g., Figures 5, 8, and 11). When removably secured to the end cap
169, there is an additional seal member therebetween, as further described above,
inter alia in the context of Figure 4. The outlet tube
110 is in fluid communication with the clean fluid volume of the filter element
150. When operably connected to the filter head
200, the outlet tube
110 extends into the spud
210, whereby the outer surface
116 of the outlet tube
110 and/or a separately provided sealing element
117 (such as the illustrated 0-ring) forms a seal between and against the outlet tube
110 and the sealing surface
216 of the spud
210. Although the top end of the outlet tube
110 is shown in Figure 19 to abut a corresponding surface of the spud
210 in the fully connected position of the spin-on fluid treatment device, such an abutment is not necessary and does not necessarily form an axial seal, as the required sealing is accomplished by the radial engagement
116/216 or
117/216.
[0111] A method of mounting a spin-on filter cartridge onto a filter head can use the above embodiments. The method includes providing a filter head
200 having an externally threaded spud
210; the spud having an internally directed sealing surface
216. A filter cartridge
100, as variously described above, having housing
160 holding a filter element
150 is provided. The housing
160 has a cover piece
169 with a central bore
130 with internally directed threads; the filter element
150 has an outlet tube
110. The method includes connecting the filter cartridge
100 to the filter head
200 by threadably mating the internal threads of the central bore
130 and the external threads of the spud
210; directing the outlet tube
110 into the spud
210; and forming a seal
116+216 between and against the outlet tube
110 and an internal surface of the spud
210.
1. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100), umfassend ein Gehäuse (160), eine Deckfläche (169), wobei die Deckfläche eine Bohrung mit Innengewinde (130) aufweist, umfassend eine Gewindeoberfläche, mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120), die radial aus der Gewindebohrung (130) herausgenommen wurde, und eine axiale Dichtung (125), welche die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) umgibt;
wobei ein Auslassrohr (110) mindestens teilweise im Inneren der Gewindebohrung (130) in einer konzentrischen Position angeordnet ist, um einen ringförmigen Raum im Inneren der Bohrung (130) zwischen dem Auslassrohr (110) und der Gewindeoberfläche zu lassen, wobei ein Behandlungsmedium (151) im Inneren des Gehäuses (160) angeordnet ist, um Fluide zu behandeln, die durch die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) eintreten und durch das Auslassrohr (110) austreten; und
wobei das Auslassrohr (110) mit einem nach außen orientierten Dichtungsteil (115, 116) versehen ist, der für den Eingriff mit einem komplementären Element (215, 216) eines Einlassstutzens (210) einer externen Einrichtung (200) konfiguriert ist, welche die behandelten Fluide empfängt.
2. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Dichtungsteil (115, 116) mindestens eine axiale Komponente aufweist.
3. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei der Dichtungsteil (115, 116) mindestens eine radiale Komponente aufweist.
4. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Auslassrohr (110) als ein im Wesentlichen zylindrisches Rohr geformt ist, dessen Wand (115) am offenen oberen Ende gerundet ist, und wobei die radiale Komponente einen nach außen orientierten Teil der gerundeten Wand enthält.
5. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Auslassrohr (110) als ein im Wesentlichen zylindrisches Rohr geformt ist, dessen Wand (115) am offenen oberen Ende verjüngt ist, um eine konische Fläche zu bilden, und wobei die radiale Komponente die konische Fläche enthält.
6. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Auslassrohr (110) als ein im Wesentlichen kegelstumpfförmiges Rohr geformt ist, und wobei die radiale Komponente eine Außenseite des im Wesentlichen kegelstumpfförmigen Rohrs enthält.
7. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Behandlungsmedium in einer Kartusche im Inneren des Gehäuses angeordnet ist, wobei die Kartusche durch ein elastisches Element in Richtung auf die Deckfläche gestoßen wird.
8. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Auslassrohr einen Abschluss in einer Form hat, die keine zylindrische Symmetrie aufweist und konfiguriert ist, um mit einer entsprechenden Form am komplementären Element eine Abdichtung zu bilden.
9. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Auslassrohr in einer axialen Richtung zur Deckfläche beweglich ist.
10. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der nach außen orientierte Dichtungsteil mindestens teilweise innerhalb des Volumens positioniert ist, das durch das untere Ende der Gewindebohrung und die Deckfläche definiert wird.
11. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Behandlungsmedium ein Filtermedium ist.
12. System umfassend eine Maschine, die einen Behandlungsvorrichtungskopf (200) und eine Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche aufweist;
wobei der Behandlungsvorrichtungskopf (200) mindestens eine Kopfauslassöffnung umfasst, die konfiguriert ist, um eine strömungstechnische Verbindung mit der mindestens einen Einlassöffnung (120) der Spin-on-Behandlungsvorrichtung (100) zu erreichen, und einen Kopfeinlassstutzen (210), der konfiguriert ist, um eine strömungstechnische Verbindung mit der Auslassöffnung (110) der Spin-on-Behandlungsvorrichtung (100) zu erreichen, wobei der Kopfeinlassstutzen (210) mit einem Mundstück mit einer Gewindeaußenseite (230) versehen ist, die konfiguriert ist, um mit der Gewindebohrung der Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung in Eingriff zu treten;
und wobei der nach außen orientierte Dichtungsteil für den Eingriff mit einem komplementären Element des Kopfeinlassstutzens (210) konfiguriert ist.
13. Kit umfassend:
- eine Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100), umfassend ein im Wesentlichen zylindrisches Gehäuse (160) mit einer Deckfläche (169), wobei die Deckfläche (169) eine zentral angeordnete Bohrung mit Innengewinde (130) aufweist, die eine Gewindefläche, mindestens eine radial von der Gewindebohrung (130) entfernte Einlassöffnung (120) und eine die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) umgebende axiale Dichtung (125) umfasst, wobei ein Behandlungsmedium (151) im Inneren des Gehäuses (160) angeordnet ist, um Fluide zu behandeln, die durch die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) eintreten und durch eine Auslassöffnung (110) austreten; und
- ein Teil (102), das ein Auslassrohr (110) mit einem nach außen gerichteten Dichtungsteil (115, 116) bildet, der konfiguriert ist, um mit einem komplementären Element (215, 216) eines Einlassstutzens (210) einer externen Vorrichtung (200) in Eingriff zu treten, welche behandelte Fluide empfängt;
wobei das Teil angepasst ist, um in die Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) installiert werden zu können derart, dass das Auslassrohr (110) mindestens teilweise im Inneren der Gewindebohrung (130) in einer konzentrischen Position angeordnet ist, sodass ein ringförmiger Raum gelassen wird, der im Inneren der Gewindebohrung (130) zwischen dem Auslassrohr (110) und der Gewindefläche liegt und in abgedichteter strömungstechnischer Verbindung mit der Auslassöffnung steht.
14. Verfahren zum Montieren einer Spin-on-Filterkartusche (100) auf einen Filterkopf (200), das Verfahren umfassend:
(a) Bereitstellen eines Filterkopfes (200), der einen Stutzen mit Außengewinde (210) aufweist; wobei der Stutzen (210) eine nach innen gerichtete Dichtfläche (216) aufweist;
(b) Bereitstellen einer Filterkartusche (100), die ein Gehäuse (160) hat, welches ein Filterelement (150) enthält, wobei das Gehäuse (160) ein Abdeckstück (169) mit einer zentralen Bohrung (130) mit einer Gewindefläche aufweist, die nach innen gerichtete Gewindegänge umfasst; wobei das Filterelement (150) ein Auslassrohr (110) hat, das mindestens teilweise im Inneren der Bohrung (130) in einer konzentrischen Position angeordnet ist derart, dass ein ringförmiger Raum im Inneren der Bohrung (130) zwischen dem Auslassstutzen (110) und der Gewindefläche gelassen wird;
(c) Anschließen der Filterkartusche (100) an den Filterkopf (200) durch gewindemäßiges Zusammenpassen der inneren Gewindegänge der zentralen Bohrung (130) und der äußeren Gewindegänge des Stuzens (210); und
(d) Einführen des Auslassrohrs (110) in den Stutzen (210) ;
und
(e) Bilden einer Abdichtung zwischen und gegen das Auslassrohr (110) und eine Innenseite des Stutzens (210) .